Nov. 22, 2019 / Press Release



HARRISBURG –
Continuing his commitment to raising awareness about the prevalence of food allergies in the Commonwealth, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) has created a Food Allergy Caucus within the House of Representatives.

“Food allergies affect millions of people across the country, as many as 6 million of them children under the age of 18,” Warner said. “The increasing occurrence of deadly food allergies, especially in our children, makes it vital for Pennsylvania to lead the way in recognizing food allergies by supporting legislation that may enhance and save lives of those affected by this silent disability.”

One of the top issues of concern to Warner and other food allergy protection advocates is the shortage and excessive price increases of epinephrine auto injectors (often referred to as EpiPens).

“Once a serious allergic reaction starts, epinephrine is the only effective treatment, and research has shown NOT treating anaphylaxis promptly with epinephrine increases the risk of a fatal reaction,” Warner said. “We must ensure this treatment is available, affordable and accessible to all who suffer with food allergies.”

To help expedite access to epinephrine for a person suffering with anaphylactic shock, Warner sponsored legislation – now Act 93 of 2018 – that allows law enforcement agencies and a variety of other organizations to obtain a general, non-patient-specific prescription for epinephrine auto injectors to keep the medication on hand in case of emergency.

Warner introduced the bill after seeing a severe allergic reaction firsthand when his young son went into anaphylactic shock after simply touching a cashew.

The Food Allergy Caucus will engage in educational efforts with fellow lawmakers and research other legislative options to both support and protect food allergy sufferers and their families.

Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
RepWarner.com / Facebook.com/RepWarner


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